Anhydrous Ammonia

An introduction for agribusiness and farmers of the state and federal regulations regarding the storage and handling of anhydrous ammonia fertilizers.  A printable version of this document is available.

Are You In Compliance?

 

ANHYDROUS AMMONIA FERTILIZER

Air Permit
Emergency and/or Risk Management Plan
Notifications
Safety Standards
Tank Security

TAKE ACTION TODAY!

 Anhydrous ammonia is a valuable, low cost form of nitrogen fertilizer used in Michigan agriculture.  It is stored as a liquid in high-pressure tanks at agricultural retailers and on farms.  Unintended releases, whether from theft or farm operations can be dangerous to human health.  By being proactive and maintaining compliance with your local, state, and federal regulations, anhydrous ammonia can be used safely and securely for its intended agricultural purposes.

How much do you store?

Do you need to notify your LEPC and the MI SARA Title III program?

Your LEPC and the Michigan SARA Title III Program must be notified if you have 500 pounds or more of anhydrous ammonia on site, even if the anhydrous ammonia is on site only during applications.  Your LEPC is required to write an offsite emergency response plan for your facility or farm.  Contact your LEPC or the Michigan SARA Title Program at 517-373-8481 for more information.

Notification cards are available on the back of the Michigan State Extension bulletin E-2575, "Emergency Planning on the Farm."  This bulletin is available from your count extension office by calling 999-678-3464, or go to www.michigan.gov/deqemergencyplan and select "Farm Security and Emergency Planning."  The emergency farm plan in this bulletin is used by the LEPC to fulfill their planning responsibilities for farms.

Do you need an Air Permit? 

If you have a stationary anhydrous ammonia tank that holds 500 gallons or more you must have an Air Permit.

You may apply for a General Permit if your tank capacity does not exceed 30,000 gallons.  However, if your tank capacity is greater than 30,000 gallons, you must apply for an individual Air Permit.  For a permit application, go to www.michigan.gov/deqair.  Select "Permits" and then select "Permits to Install/New Source Review" under "Information."  Select either "Application Form…." or "General Permits…." for the form you need.  For assistance in filling out an Air Permit or if you have questions, call the Office of Environmental Assistance (OEA) at 800-662-9278.

Do you need an Emergency Response of Risk Management Plan?

If you are required to have an Air Permit, you are also required to have an emergency response plan.  The emergency response plan must be approved by your local fire department or county emergency response agency, which can be referred to as your Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC).

Farms are encouraged to use the plan template in the "Emergency Planning on the Farm" guide.  Please contact your LEPC or county extension office for assistance with this plan.

A risk management plan (RMP) is required by federal regulation if you are distributing anhydrous ammonia and store more than 10,000 pounds on site in one or more tanks.  Information about RMPs is available at www.michigan.gov/deqemergencyplan.  You can also call the OEA with questions.

 Do you need to comply with MIOSHA Safety Standards?

The air permit conditions require that you comply with the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act (MIOSHA) safety standards, Part 78 - Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia.  These standards address tank specifications including safety relief valves and restrictions on the tank location.

Your air permit also requires that you have an inspection and maintenance program that assures ongoing compliance with the MIOSHA safety standards.  Most importantly, safety relief valves must be manufactured or recertified within the past 5 years.  Inspections must be conducted at least twice per year, prior to spring and fall application seasons.

For information on safety standards or statewide safety and health assistance to employers, visit www.michigan.gov/miosha or call 517-322-1809.

Are your tanks secure?

Anhydrous ammonia is a key ingredient in the illegal production of the drug methamphetamine, making farms a target for anhydrous ammonia theft.  Therefore, tank security is important!

To report suspicious activities related to anhydrous ammonia security and theft, contact:
Michigan Meth Hotline:

866-METH-TIP (866-638-4847) or Your local police department

In 2007, the Anhydrous Ammonia Safety and Security Practices (AASSPs) were developed.  These are recommendations addressing the storage and handling practices for the agricultural use of anhydrous ammonia.  Sellers and end users implementing the AASSPs are granted immunity from personal injury and property damage claims caused by anhydrous theft or unlawful use.  A copy of the AASSPs is available at www.michigan.gov/mda-fertilizer.

The adoption of the AASSPs helps ensure that farmers can continue to use anhydrous ammonia fertilizer by preventing its theft for drug production.  If you have any questions, call 517-241-2979.

In addition, if you store 10,000 pounds or more of anhydrous ammonia you must comply with the federal chemical facility security standards.  Initially, this means completing a preliminary online assessment to determine the level of risk associated with your facility or farm.  For more information, visit http://www.dhs.gov/critical-infrastructure-chemical-security or call 866-323-2957.

Report all chemical releases!

REPORT SPILLS AND RELEASES

A release of 19 gallons (100 lbs.) or more must be reported immediately (within 15 minutes) to all of the following:

Local Authorities:      911

State Authorities:      Agriculture Pollution Prevention Hotline
                               (Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development)
                               800-405-0101

                                                   or

                               Pollution Emergency Alerting System (PEAS)
                               (Michigan Department of Environmental Quality)
                               800-292-4706

Federal Authorities:   National Response Center
                               (United States Coast Guard)
                               800-424-8802

For Spill and Release Information go to www.michigan.gov/chemrelease or call the Michigan SARA Title III Program at 517-373-8481.

Because it is difficult to determine the amount of a release quickly, it is recommended that every release be reported.

There is no penalty for over reporting!